The Best Easy Cheesecake Recipe
A simple and delicious cheesecake recipe featuring a homemade graham cracker crust and creamy, smooth filling. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake pairs wonderfully with various toppings like berries, caramel, and whipped cream.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 sheets)
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings (optional)
- Berries
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate chips
- Lemon curd
- Whipped cream
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: Using a food processor, pulse the graham cracker sheets until they are fine crumbs. Then add sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined.
- Form the Crust: Pour the graham cracker crumb mixture into a baking dish. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish to create an even crust. Set aside.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on low speed for 5-10 seconds until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Slowly add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese while mixing on low speed. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating after each addition on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until the filling is silky smooth and evenly combined.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the center slightly jiggles when the dish is gently moved. Approximately 24 minutes works best.
- Cool Gradually in Oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for 45-60 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Cool at Room Temperature: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and continue cooling on the counter until it reaches room temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and set properly.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cheesecake with your choice of toppings like berries, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, lemon curd, or whipped cream.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover cheesecake refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually helps prevent cracks.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Use a springform pan if you have one for easier removal.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings to personalize your cheesecake.
Keywords: cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe, homemade cheesecake, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, classic dessert